Garmin Adds Capability to G500, G600 Avionics

[Tehmasib]

Garmin has expanded the capabilities of the G600 and G500 flight display systems by introducing new software and a specialized adapter that is capable of displaying and controlling an array of additional features including altitude preselect and vertical speed, DME distance, analog radar altitude, analog nav data and more.

Garmin’s new GAD 43e adapter, introduced last week at the NBAA Convention, allows Garmin’s digital attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) to provide analog attitude information for use with select third-party autopilot systems. The GAD 43e interfaces with the Garmin G500 and G600 for configuration and display, and it interfaces with Garmin’s remote AHRS unit for attitude, heading, and yaw input information.

For attitude-based autopilots, the GAD 43e can emulate the system’s gyro interfaces with more accurate and reliable AHRS data, Garmin says. “This typically lets aircraft owners remove the existing ADI or attitude gyro, such as the familiar KI-256, and replace it on the panel with a more affordable attitude indicator as the backup instrumentation,” the company noted.

Other GAD 43e functions include an altitude preselector and vertical speed controller when interfaced to compatible autopilots. The GAD 43e also allows buyers to interface existing compatible analog nav radios and display VOR/LOC/GS with the G600/G500 flight display system, as well as to display marker beacons, synchro ADF bearing pointers and analog radar altimeter read out.

The upgrade requires Version 6.11 software, offered for free by Garmin. The GAD 43e is AML STC approved for the G600, with similar approval for the G500 expected soon. The GAD 43e will be available as standard equipment for the G600 and as a $4,995 option for the G500